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Many healthy snacks for kids have to do with protein. The importance of healthy snacks for kids cannot be overemphasized in this day and age when obesity and childhood diseases are on the rise. In fact, today there are more foods that are high in fat and sugar than ever before, which makes it more important for parents to keep their kids on a strict diet of nutritious foods so that they will grow up to be healthy and fit.1
When you are choosing snacks for kids, you need to choose them wisely. You do not want your kid picking up a few pounds from fast food because he or she got a healthy snack that will make him or her gain weight.
The Benefits of Protein For Kids
The benefits of protein for kids are many. Your child must have a healthy diet as a pre-requisite for his proper development and growth. And one other important constituent of the child’s diet ought to include protein as well. You ought to keep a tab on your kids protein consumption especially because protein is also a necessary requirement for growing children in their early years.
One of the many benefits of protein for kids is that it helps the children to grow taller and builds up their muscles. A well-balanced diet includes protein and makes the kids stronger and healthier. Many of the fruits and vegetables we have today are rich in protein-rich foods like peaches, apricots, plums, apples, pears, blueberries and much more. It has been proved through research that protein helps in making the bones grow strong and healthy and therefore is necessary for children to grow tall and strong.2
Besides protein, essential amino acids are also found in abundance in most of the vegetables and fruits. They help the growth of the body and improve the immunity system in children.3 Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats also constitute an essential part of the protein foods that are consumed daily. Proper amounts of protein for kids must be provided along with proper amounts of essential amino acids and minerals.4
Homemade Protein Bars for Kids
There are benefits of homemade protein bars for kids that you should know about if you are a parent trying to give your child a nutrition plan. It can be a challenge to find healthy snacks for kids that they enjoy. This is because snacking habits are often developed in childhood and if children are fed junk food, then they will crave it later on. Making your own cereal protein bars at home is an easy way to ensure you’re giving them healthy options that they’ll love.
How To Make Cereal Protein Bars For Kids
It is not that difficult to find how to make cereal protein bars for kids. In fact, with a little bit of searching you are sure to find an endless list of healthy choices for your little ones. If you are wondering how to make cereal protein bars for kids, you have several options. A nice thing about cereal protein bars for kids is that they can be customized to your child’s likes and dislikes. Most have a variety of flavors, so you can mix in all kinds of things.
First and foremost, you should make sure that whatever you choose as the base of your cereal protein bars for kids is a healthy choice. If it isn’t, then you will not only be compromising their nutritional needs but you will also be causing them psychological problems. This may come in the form of them becoming skittish and withdrawn. Remember, a child’s psychological well-being is ultimately linked to their physical health.5 If their body lacks the necessary vitamins and nutrients, they will suffer the consequences. In other words, it is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their children get the vitamins and nutrients that they need.6
Secondly, you need to consider the variety of ingredients that you are going to buy. There are several types out there including fruits, dried fruits, nuts and even some sweets. The third thing you should think about when looking at how to make cereal protein bars for kids is their taste. You should find one that they will like so that they will keep taking it regularly. If they don’t like the flavor, chances are they won’t take it on a regular basis either. Find one that they will like and stick with it.
Lastly, you should consider how easy they are to make. There are many recipes online that you can look through to determine what you would like to make. There are also many cookbooks that have similar ideas as well. With some research, you should be able to come up with several options for your next kid’s breakfast.
Image Credits
Real Mom Nutrition / September 9, 2019
Brit + Co / August 20, 2020
Pinterest / 2021
Endnotes
1 “Healthy snacks grow healthy kids – MSU Extension.” 26 Mar. 2018, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/healthy_snacks_grow_healthy_kids Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
2 “Protein for Child Development | Abbott Nutrition.” 8 Aug. 2018, https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/kids-growth/why-is-protein-important-for-kids-growth/ Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
3 “Protein for Children: Health Benefits, Requirement & Food Sources.” 4 Jul. 2018, https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/protein-for-kids/ Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
4 “Protein – Healthy Kids Association.” https://healthy-kids.com.au/food-nutrition/nutrients-in-food/protein/ Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
5 “Children’s Emotional Well-Being: Eight… – The Creativity Post.” 10 Apr. 2017, https://www.creativitypost.com/article/childrens_emotional_well_being_eight_practical_tips_for_parents Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
6 “Children’s psychological well-being and problem behavior during ….” 23 Jun. 2021, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0253473 Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
